WWE Updates: Roman Reigns on The Rock and Cody Rhodes; Tommy Fury Eyes WWE Future; Oba Femi’s NXT Absence
By Mike Chiari | Bleacher Report | November 27, 2024
Bleacher Report brings you the latest developments from the WWE Universe, highlighting candid insights from Roman Reigns, a surprise boxing star’s wrestling aspirations, and rumors swirling around NXT talent Oba Femi.
Roman Reigns Reflects on WrestleMania 40 Main Event, The Rock Match Possibility
Roman Reigns recently opened up about his experience headlining WrestleMania 40 against Cody Rhodes and shared thoughts on a potential future matchup with his cousin, The Rock, during an interview on the SI Media podcast with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina.
Reigns addressed the speculation surrounding whom he would face at WrestleMania 40—whether it would be The Rock or Cody Rhodes. When asked if he felt disappointed to face Rhodes instead of The Rock, Reigns expressed indifference about the opponent as long as he was the main event:
"It doesn’t matter to me. I was the main event. I’m the guy that everyone wanted to dance with, you know. I am the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out. It’s where, we just need to get there and defend this thing. It didn’t matter who it is. They are trying to stop history from happening. They are trying to take us off the pinnacle right now, so it was the same task in hand for me."
After Rhodes won the 2024 men’s Royal Rumble, he initially stated he would not challenge Reigns at WrestleMania 40, sparking rumors of The Rock reclaiming that spot. However, negative fan response led to Rhodes reversing his stance and The Rock turning heel as “The Final Boss,” aligning with Reigns. The Rock and Reigns teamed up to defeat Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night 1 of WrestleMania 40, but Rhodes ultimately beat Reigns for the WWE Championship on Night 2. Regarding a possible Reigns vs. Rock match in the future, Reigns indicated it remains on the table, contingent on fan demand:
"I think our fanbase and the company’s proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something, we’re a company who—we’re not being dictated to. We have a vision for where we’re trying to go, but we know who the consumers are. We know who’s paying their hard-earned money, and we want to satisfy those people."
He added, "If that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen."
The Rock made a surprise WWE return last month at Bad Blood but has yet to clarify his plans, leaving the door open for future appearances—possibly at the upcoming Survivor Series, where the original and new Bloodline factions are set to clash.
Tommy Fury Hints at WWE Interest After Backstage Visit
Boxer Tommy Fury, younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, teased a potential future in WWE after attending a WWE event during the company’s recent UK tour.
In a YouTube video shared Sunday, Fury detailed his experience meeting WWE Superstars such as Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther. He expressed enthusiasm about possibly stepping into the wrestling ring one day:
"So guys, that is a night at the WWE complete. All the wrestlers showing love. Big up to Randy Orton. Absolutely amazing guy. Big up to Cody Rhodes, all of them, Gunther, the lot of them. Thank you to the WWE for showing us such appreciation. And I look forward to possibly climbing through them ropes one day. Who knows? But it’s been a great night."
Tommy Fury is undefeated as a professional boxer with a 10-0 record and remains the only fighter to defeat Jake Paul. His entrance into WWE would continue the family tradition, with Tyson Fury previously competing at Crown Jewel 2019 and famously interrupting Austin Theory’s Money in the Bank cash-in attempt at 2022’s Clash at the Castle.
With Logan Paul—a WWE Superstar—also in the mix, a Paul brothers vs. Fury brothers storyline could attract mainstream attention, marking an exciting potential crossover for WWE fans.
Oba Femi’s Absence from NXT Sparks Speculation
Former NXT North American Champion Oba Femi has reportedly been absent from NXT tapings and programming for the past month, fueling speculation about his status.
As reported by Fightful Select, Femi has not been seen backstage or on television since his loss to Tony D’Angelo at Halloween Havoc on October 27. While no official reason has been given for the absence, it could be a strategic move by NXT creative to allow Femi a reset after consecutive setbacks.
Femi, who debuted on NXT television in April 2023, quickly made a splash by winning the NXT Breakout Tournament and capturing the North American Championship from Dragon Lee, holding it for a record-breaking 272 days before ultimately losing the title to D’Angelo.
His recent losses and the subsequent NXT hiatus have led to rumors ranging from potential main roster promotion to injury recovery or a storyline break. Regardless, Femi remains seen as a prime candidate to come back strong when the time is right.
Bleacher Report will continue tracking these WWE ongoing stories as they develop, delivering the latest updates and insights from inside the squared circle. Stay tuned!
Photo Credit: WWE/Getty Images
Roman Reigns and The Rock at WrestleMania 40 in Philadelphia, April 6, 2024.
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